Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams took off aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June, expecting an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) before returning to Earth. However, what should have been a short journey has now stretched over more than two months, with no clear end in sight.
Their extended stay is the result of multiple technical issues plaguing the Starliner spacecraft. Problems such as leaks in the propulsion system and faulty thrusters have raised concerns about the safety of their return journey. As a result, the astronauts’ return to Earth has been postponed indefinitely.
NASA is weighing its options, with an emphasis on safety. “Our main option is to return Butch and Suni to Starliner,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “However, we have done the necessary planning to ensure we have other options open.”
One of these alternatives is to wait for another crewed mission in September, which would take two more astronauts to the ISS and allow Wilmore and Williams to return with them in February 2025.
If this plan is adopted, the pair’s mission would extend from the originally planned eight days to a full eight months.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, both astronauts deal with the situation. “We’ve been very busy here and have been integrated into the crew right away,” said Williams, a seasoned ISS veteran.
“It feels like coming home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and working here with the International Space Station team. So yeah, it’s great to be here.”
For now, Wilmore and Williams will continue their work aboard the ISS.
